Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Book Review: Quilts from the House of Tula Pink

When I learned that Tula Pink had a book in the works I was instantly excited. It was October at Quilt Market and I even was so excited that Rachel & I took a photo in front of the cover. I wasn't sure what to expect from the book, but had to get it since I am Tula's biggest fan.

The book was released in March. {I guess the decided to change the cover.} I like them both, but the quilt on the original cover is my favorite. This book is more than quilts. It contains 10 quilt patterns and 10 sewing projects.

The photography is stunning. The feel of the paper and the printing is also very nice. I have a very large book collection & appreciate a well made book!

This photo alone made me want to go live with Tula in her old house in Missouri. I always like to take photos of quilts outside and in fun places, not just laying on a bed.

One of my favorite parts of the book is Tula's education on how to pick colors for a quilt. She goes over the basics of color theory and shows lots of examples.

This book is part coffee table book part quilt education. It is very easy to sit down and just get lost in it. It is a must have for any Tula Pink fan.

The quilts are unique. Not all of them are my style, but I've never bought a book that has all quilts that are my style. For the price of the book vs. the price of a pattern it is more than worth the value.

Normally I prefer illustrations to be simple and graphic. Tula did hand-drawn step-by-step illustrations for this book. While that isn't usually my preference it fits the style of this book, and Tula has the chops to create great hand-drawn illustrations. Sometimes hand-drawn illustrations aren't the best because bad ones can make the directions un-clear. I adore this quilt and plan on cutting into my precious Tula Pink stash to make it sometime soon.

I also love this body pillow & plan on making one after Quilt Market.

I'm also in love with her Houndstooth quilt. I think the idea of using a few lights and a few darks makes for an interesting pop! In addition to all the information that Tula provides, there is also a lot of information from Angela on the quilting of each quilt.

Tula isn't a fan of the camera... so I found this photo of her to be very fitting!


The book is available in Quilt Shops & Online.
Quilts from the House of Tula Pink: 20 Fabric Projects to Make, Use and Love - Amazon
Quilts from the House of Tula Pink - Tula's Pattern Shop






© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

12 comments:

Melissa P said...

It really is a great book to add to a library of quilting/sewing books--even you don't plan to make any of the projects or quilts. Tula's pictures and Angela's quilting are enough to have you pull this out over and over for inspiration.

Hope all the Market prep is on track! Hang in there.

mascanlon said...

I got the book when it first came out. The photos are stunning and as you said, lots of great info as well as wonderful quilts. As usual Angela's quilting is amazing. I like this book reviews a lot Julie, great idea.

Dresden Quilter said...

Thanks for the book review! I love her fabrics.

Teresa Silva said...

I have this book and also highly recommend it. I've already made the cloudy days quilt. The pictures and the drawings are wonderful and lots of great tips.

rachel griffith said...

1st: it's me & you!!!
2nd: i like both covers!!!
3rd: i think i might need it!!!

Queenie Believe said...

Lovely book, thanks for the review.
It might have to go on a wish list. I'm quite drawn to the rain drops quilt. It would be lovely for a tween's bedroom.
Have a great day
Always, Queenie

Kate Brown said...

Really good review. Looks like a book I would like, will have to get a copy.

Lisa said...

I have it sitting on the nightstand, is yours sighed? I love the raindrops it is on my one day list. So, glad you did such a nice review.

Anonymous said...

I have enjoyed Tula Pink's fabric lines and ordered her book as soon as I knew about it. Her Mom owns a quilt shop about 40 miles north of Kansas City - I got to visit there last summer. No Tula, but a great display of her quilts and fabrics. Her whimsical drawings are awesome.

suesinger said...

enter me in the contest. I would make the block in batiks

Fran said...

I love the body pillow as well. I will have to check this book out!

Bennett and Graves said...

Thank you for showing us Tula's great new book. Especially pointing out the part about color selection, which I need help with. I ordered one today!